Acute Treatments

It is extremely important to begin treatments as soon as possible after a rare neuro-immune diagnosis. Treatment protocols depend on the diagnosis. Treatment for Transverse Myelitis including Acute Flaccid Myelitis, Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis, Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder and Optic Neuritis in their acute or early stages involves quieting down the immune system as quickly as possible, before damage is done. These treatments need to be considered in the context of the correct diagnosis and administered as quickly as possible. Time is critical.

It is important to be working with a physician who has good experience with these disorders, because acute treatment is going to involve primarily or exclusively clinical judgment. There are very few clinical centers with physicians who specialize in TM or NMO (e.g., University of Texas Southwestern, Johns Hopkins, Mayo Clinic, University of California San Francisco, Walton Centre – Liverpool, England), but there are numerous Multiple Sclerosis Centers associated with prominent medical centers and medical schools. A specialist from one of these centers should be considered, as they have experience in demyelinating disorders of the central nervous system.

Find Medical Care

You can find medical professionals in your area that special in rare neuro-immune disorders in our Medical Professional Network. Medical professionals often specialize in treatment for individuals who have had spinal cord injuries or multiple sclerosis, which makes them an ideal resource for your recovery, even if they do not specialize in rare neuro-immune disorders.

Please contact us at info@myelitis.org if you are not able to find a medical professional near you!

Importance of Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation should be started as soon as someone with a rare neuro-immune disorder is medically cleared for activity, whether one has regained some muscle strength or has shown no short-term recovery. Starting a rehabilitation program early can help mitigate some of the bone loss and muscle atrophy that occurs in the areas affected by paralysis. Please visit our resource library for more information about rehabilitation.

Be your own Advocate

We encourage you to become a member of The TMA. There is no cost to do so and we will keep you informed of the latest information on treatments, research and management of rare neuro-immune disorders as well as our programs.